Start a New Recognized Student Organization
Not seeing an existing recognized student organization that matches your interests? We are happy to help you navigate creating a new organization to further enrich our campus community.
Applications for new RSOs are open at the beginning of the Fall semester. Applications are reviewed based on the thoroughness for the content and not based on the organization's stated mission, goals or beliefs. Only complete applications will be considered. Approvals do not imply endorsement by Emory University of the organization’s policies or activities.
If you have questions, contact our Center for Student Leadership & Engagement team at csle@emory.edu.
Here's an overview of what is needed to create a new recognized student organization.
New RSO Chartering Process Fall 2026
The New RSO Chartering Process takes place annually, during the semester for both graduate and undergraduate groups.
The Center for Student Leadership & Engagement (CSLE) administers and facilitates the Registered Student Organization (RSO) charter process but does not determine whether an organization is approved for recognition.
As part of the process, CSLE is responsible for ensuring that organizations complete all required administrative steps. This includes verifying eligibility requirements, monitoring submission deadlines, and confirming that each required student leader completes the appropriate training for their position. Organizations that do not complete the required training by the established deadlines will not be permitted to advance through the charter process until those requirements have been met.
Final charter decisions are made by the appropriate Divisional Council or Executive Agency, which serves as the chartering authority for organizations within its respective student population.
When reviewing applications, these bodies do not make decisions based on an organization's viewpoints, beliefs, or values. Instead, they evaluate applications using criteria such as:
- Whether the proposed organization addresses an unmet need or fills a gap in opportunities available to students.
- Whether the organization offers a meaningful benefit to the campus community.
- Whether the organization demonstrates sustainability through committed leadership, an engaged membership, and a realistic plan for long-term success.
- Whether the organization meets the chartering standards and expectations established by the reviewing council or executive agency.
The charter process is designed to ensure that newly recognized organizations are well-positioned to contribute to the student experience and maintain long-term success. While CSLE facilitates the process, verifies compliance with procedural requirements, and administers the required leadership training, the decision to grant a charter rests solely with the appropriate Divisional Council or Executive Agency.
Displayed below is our general procedure to which specific dates will be applied each year.
You can access the New Organization Registration Form on the Hub. Follow the instructions provided here to complete your application before the deadline.
Ensure your new organization meets a unique need in our community by checking existing organizations on The Hub.
- You must select a president, risk manager/event planner, treasurer.
- You must identify a faculty/staff to serve as the on-campus advisor for your organization.
- You need at least 10 currently enrolled Emory University students on your organization’s roster.
- You must develop a constitution for the governance of your organization. Please refer to this template for mandatory language.
Form closes Wednesday, September 30
Following the application deadline, all eligible charter applications enter the primary review phase. During this stage, the appropriate Divisional Council or Executive Agency reviews each application to evaluate the organization's proposed purpose, student need, sustainability, and alignment with its chartering criteria. As part of the review process, applicants may be asked to provide additional information, respond to follow-up questions, or present their proposal directly to the chartering body. These requests allow reviewers to better understand the organization's goals, operations, and long-term vision before making a charter decision. Applicants will be notified if any additional information or a presentation is required and will be provided with instructions and applicable deadlines.
Reasons for not sponsoring an Interest Groups through the onboarding process includes but is not limited to:
- The Interest Group does not serve the student population within your division's realm
- The Interest Group replicates/is too closely aligned with an existing student organization on campus
- The amount of interested students does not exceed 10 students Required officers are not listed
- The information provided lacks substance and does not reasonably support the division's ability to make a decision
| Accepted | Denied |
|---|---|
| Invitation to RSO Training Course | These groups are encouraged to work with their respective council to prepare for the next application cycle. |
The RSO Training course aims to familiarize our new potential RSOs with vital information about policies, processes, and guidelines for operating as a recognized student organization (RSO) at Emory as well as lay the foundation for their establishment.
Progress on the course will be tracked individually. When all required members of the organization has completed the course, CSLE will publish your portal and issue your charter letter.
- All officers complete training course
- Charter letter issued
- portal is published
- Submit charter letter to request speedtype from SGS
- Get to action!
Visit the website below to learn more about how to register your new Student Organization.